When you're on the road, managing human waste responsibly is essential—not just for your comfort, but for the planet's health too.
So why the hype on compostable bags? Is a biodegradable toilet bag the same thing? Should you bury your solids in a compostable bag and call it good?
In this article, we’re going to answer all of your questions about compostable waste bags, biodegradable toilet bags, and other alternatives for bagging your solids. Let’s dig in!
First things first, let's clear the air (and the confusion) about biodegradable and compostable bags. While they might sound like eco-friendly twins, they're more like distant cousins.
Compostable Bags: Made from natural materials like cornstarch, compostable bags are designed to break down into nutrient-rich compost when exposed to the right conditions—typically in industrial composting facilities. Unlike biodegradable bags, they leave no harmful residue behind and contribute positively to soil health.
Biodegradable Bags:Surprisingly, the term “biodegradable” is a very ambiguous term. There’s no clear definition of what “biodegradable” means, other than it’s a product that can break down over time with the help of microorganisms, but there’s no guarantee of how long it will take or what remains afterward. They often leave behind microplastics and other harmful residues when decomposition isn’t complete. In fact, many biodegradable plastics degrade slowly and incompletely in marine environments or landfills.
Remember: Neither biodegradable or compostable bags are designed to decompose effectively when buried in the ground. Without the right conditions—like those in industrial composting facilities—they can linger in the environment much longer than you'd expect. In fact, studies have shown that some biodegradable bags remain intact after three years in soil or marine environments.
While “biodegradable” may sound like an environmentally friendly option, as stated above, the term often carries significant ambiguity, leading to consumer confusion and greenwashing. Unlike compostable bags, which are held to strict standards like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 to ensure they fully break down into non-toxic, natural materials, the term “biodegradable” lacks a clear definition or consistent requirements.
Many biodegradable bags fail to decompose completely, breaking down into smaller fragments such as microplastics that persist in the environment and harm ecosystems. Additionally, these bags often require very specific conditions to degrade effectively. Such conditions are rarely found in landfills, natural environments, or marine ecosystems. This means that biodegradable bags can linger in the environment for years, contributing to the very pollution they claim to solve.
This lack of clarity allows companies to use greenwashing tactics, marketing biodegradable bags as eco-friendly without addressing their potential long-term environmental harm. In contrast, compostable bags offer a clearer and genuinely sustainable solution. Certified compostable bags are designed to fully decompose into nutrient-rich matter under specific conditions without leaving harmful residues, making them a far better choice for consumers who care about their environmental footprint.
By choosing compostable bags over biodegradable ones, you’re avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing and ensuring your actions genuinely support the planet.
Breaking down things even more (pun intended!), not all compostable bags are created equal! We’re not trying to make things even more confusing, but it’s important to understand the two main types: industrial compostable bags and home compostable bags. While both break down into natural materials, they require very different conditions to do so effectively.
These bags are designed to decompose in industrial composting facilities, where controlled conditions like high heat (above 140°F/60°C), optimal moisture levels, and specific microbial activity ensure complete breakdown. They meet strict certification standards, which guarantee they turn into nutrient-rich compost without leaving behind toxic residues or microplastics.
However, these bags do not break down efficiently in a home compost bin or when buried in the ground, as they require sustained high temperatures that home composting systems rarely achieve. Typically these bags will be labeled as simply “compostable” or “commercially compostable only” with no reference to being able to break down in a home backyard compost bin or pile.
Unlike industrial compostable bags, home compostable bags are engineered to decompose at lower temperatures—typically found in backyard compost piles or bins. They are often made from natural, plant-based materials and are certified under standards that ensure they degrade under normal home composting conditions within a few months to a year.
While they break down more easily, they still need a balanced compost environment with proper aeration, moisture, and microbial activity to fully degrade. If a compostable bag is rated for home composting, it will have a statement on the packaging referring to “backyard compostable” or “home compostable”.
If you’re disposing of your compostable bag in a municipal composting program, industrial compostable bags are a great choice. However, if you plan to compost at home, look for home compostable bags to ensure complete breakdown in your personal compost system. No matter which type you choose, never bury compostable bags in nature—without the right conditions, they can take years to degrade, defeating the purpose of using them in the first place!
So, how long do these bags take to break down? Well, it's complicated. The decomposition time depends on several factors:
Material Composition: Bags made from plant-based materials tend to decompose faster than those with synthetic additives.
Environmental Conditions: Temperature, moisture, and microbial activity play significant roles. Industrial composting facilities maintain optimal conditions for rapid decomposition, but such environments are rare in the wild.
Presence of Oxygen: Aerobic conditions (with oxygen) facilitate faster breakdown compared to anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments.
Unfortunately, there’s no hard timeline on when your bags will start breaking down. It varies by the materials the bag is made of, contents in the bag, and environment around it. We’ll go more into how to choose the right compostable bag for your needs next.
Now that we've got the science down, let's talk about practical tips for using compostable toilet bags with your composting toilet, especially when you're on the move.
Choose Wisely: Opt for high-quality compostable bags that meet recognized standards. Look for the certification label from the Biodegradable Products Institute. BPI World certifies whether products are able to be composted in commercially run composting facilities. If you opt for compostable bags that can be used in your home compost, ensure packaging clearly states that they meet home composting requirements or are marked as safe for “backyard composting.”
Double Up: To minimize the risk of leaks—because nobody wants that kind of surprise—consider double-bagging. This adds an extra layer of protection, especially during disposal.
Timely Disposal: Home compostable bags will break down quicker than bags made to be placed in an industrial composing facility. We recommend emptying your solids bin and using a new bag every 3-4 days after your initial poo. Industrial composting bags can last longer - up to 7 days or more.
Proper Disposal: Avoid burying used bags. Instead, dispose of them in designated waste bins. If you're in a remote area, pack them out until you find an appropriate disposal site.
The amount of time solids can remain in a compostable bag before it starts to degrade depends on several factors, including the moisture content, temperature, and the bag's material composition. In general:
Dry Conditions: If the solids are kept relatively dry the bag can typically hold up for 3–5 days before showing signs of weakening.
Moist Conditions: If there’s significant moisture in the bag, the degradation process accelerates. In such cases, the bag may start breaking down in as little as 2–3 days.
High Temperatures: Warm environments speed up microbial activity, which can also cause the bag to weaken faster, even under dry conditions.
To avoid leaks or mess:
Empty the solids bin every few days, especially if you’re in a warm or humid climate.
Double-bag if you anticipate any delays in disposal or are concerned about bag durability.
While compostable bags are convenient and eco-friendly, their nature makes timely disposal crucial to ensure a hassle-free experience.
For travelers using the Cuddy Lite, we recommend compostable over biodegradable bags. Why?
The short and obvious reason is because compostable bags are the most environmentally friendly option, perfectly aligning with our mission to provide a better toilet experience for both people and the planet.
By choosing compostable toilet bags, you’re actively contributing to a more sustainable future. Whether you’re hitting the road, camping off-grid, or embracing tiny living, compostable toilet bags ensure your impact on the planet remains as light as possible. They’re the ideal choice for responsible travelers who care about preserving the beauty of the natural world while enjoying the comfort of a clean and efficient toilet experience.
You might be aware that adding compostable materials to a landfill contributes to methane gas emissions. While there is no “perfect” solution to managing waste, we are working towards providing the best options for making a greener planet for us all.
We believe that using compostable bags in your composting toilet is the best way to manage your solids sustainably while on the road. By understanding the differences between compostable bags and biodegradable bags—and making thoughtful choices about their use and disposal—you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and align with eco-friendly values.
Remember, sustainability isn’t just about choosing the right products; it’s about using them responsibly. With compostable bags, you’re taking a step toward protecting the planet while enjoying the freedom of your adventures.
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Sierra Eberly is an avid trail runner and solopreneur who has traveled full-time in a campervan since 2020.
After traveling for over a year while working remotely full-time at a corporate job, she shifted gears and pursued her passions for writing and marketing strategy.
Boondock Consulting was formed, and she now supports like-minded small businesses with their big aspiration.
Sierra continues to travel, balancing work and play while trying her best to make a minimal impact on the planet and enjoying everything it offers. You can follow along with her travels via Instagram or Sierra’s personal website, Sierra’s Traverse.
